the gateway to the Shawnee
The Makanda Tourism Association welcomes you to the valley of the arts located in the rolling hills of the Shawnee National Forest. The region features:
- a unique variety of local artisans
- fine dining to casual fare and a premier winery
- private cabin lodging and eco friendly bed and breakfast lodging
- an 18 hole world class golf course featuring a PGA pro
- vast variety of outdoor activities including rock climbing, horseback riding and more.
Welcome to Makanda. We hope you will enjoy your visit.
Makanda is know for its natural beauty and history
Spend the day at Giant City State park, have lunch and shop on the historic Makanda Boardwalk, visit the Bue Sky Winery, the most famous winery in the state and stay in one of the many unique luxury lodging facitilies in the area.
Makanda offers an array of tourism opportunities for all ages
Come and spend your vacation in Makanda, Illinois. We are located only 7 miles south of Carbondale, Illinois and Southern Illinois University. Makanda is a vast area and is know as the true gateway to the Shawnee National Forest and the Shawnee Hills Wine trial. Located only minutes from Cobden, Illinois and Alto Pass, Illinois.
Natural beuaty and hospitaly await you in Makanda. Travel to the Southern tip of Illinois and experience an whole new part of the state. Home of Giant City State Park and nestled between Cedar Lake, Little Grassy Lake and Devils Kitchen Lake and alonge the Shawnee Hills Wine Trial. So much opportunity awaits. We are certain that you will enjoy your visit to our home.
view our attactions page to see what we have to offer
Recent Photos
Makands is beautiful all year round.
So much to see and do...more recent photss are on the way..